Wordle, the simple daily word-guessing game created by Josh Wardle in 2021, quickly became a global phenomenon. In January 2022 The New York Times (NYT) acquired Wordle, bringing the game into the mainstream media fold. This article examines Wordle’s appeal, the implications of the Wordle NYT acquisition, and the broader cultural, commercial, and ethical considerations surrounding the game. Website: https://wordle-nyt.us/